William Wright Wayne

William Wright Wayne, 65, of Garner died Sunday, April 9, 2017 in SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. He was born July 9, 1951 in Columbus County, the son of the late Clyde and Mary Burns Wayne.

Wright was a 34-year member of the athletics staff at NC State University. He was beloved by student athletes from a variety of sports for over three decades. Wayne joined the NC State Athletics Department in 1980, and was given the responsibility of designing and implementing the year-round strength and conditioning programs for all of the department's 23 sports. During his tenure at NC State, he was involved with teams and athletes that won seven NCAA championships and over 45 ACC titles. He was the strength and conditioning coach for the Wolfpack's 1983 National Championship men's basketball squad. In 2012, Wayne was given the Frank Weedon Lifetime Achievement Award by the department. He retired in July of 2014.

Wayne began his career as the owner/operator of a Raleigh health club in 1976. His gym became a favorite of many of the area's high school, college, and professional athletes. Many athletes from NC State began to seek Wright out to help them prepare for the pro camps after being drafted by professional teams at the completion of their collegiate careers.

A native of Whiteville, Wayne graduated from Southeastern Community College in 1971 and attended NC State. He then served as a Petty Officer in the US Navy as a radioman for the Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan.

He was survived briefly by his wife, Nancy Wilson Wayne, who died later that day. He is also survived by a brother, C.N. "Kirk" Wayne and wife, Linda of McLean, VA; and an aunt, Geraldine Burns Becker of Whiteville.

A graveside service is planned for 2:00 pm Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery by Rev. Ryan Clore and Dr. Fred Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577 or First Baptist Church of Whiteville, The Grief Committee, 412 N. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472.

Condolences may be made at peacockfuneralhome.net.